Innovate to Grow program: 

Agrifood WA

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small to medium 
enterprises (SMEs) working on solutions for Agrifood in Western Australia to 
explore how research and development (R&D) can advance their project. 

Build your R&D idea 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) play a key role 
in growing Australia’s Agrifood industry. But taking an R&D 
idea and turning this into reality can sometimes be a 
daunting prospect.

Our free self-paced 10-week program will build your skills 
to help you refine your innovation idea and turn this into 
a R&D opportunity.

Register today 

Applications close: 13 Mar 2023 

Program starts: 4 Apr 2023 

csiro.au/agrifoodWA

Australia’s National Science Agency



Key program outcomes 

Personalised support to refine your idea: 
We’ll step you through the process of turning your idea 
into a viable research project. 

Confidential feedback: All submissions through the 
program portal will receive prompt expert feedback. 

Mentor: You will be paired with a researcher from 
CSIRO or a university to help connect you with the 
relevant specialists. 

Build your network: You will build key contacts in your 
sector, including researchers at CSIRO and universities, 
domain experts, funding professionals and other SMEs. 

Key things covered include: 

• Identifying your innovation opportunities. 
• Refining your value proposition. 
• Understanding the R&D viability. 
• Helping you build your business case. 
• Providing guidance on how to prepare a strong 
funding application. 


Who can attend 

Participants working in Agrifood. 
This can be in any sub-sector including; 

• Meat and meat product manufacturing 
• Agriculture and fishing support services
• Aquaculture
• Livestock
• Beverage manufacturing
• Food product manufacturing
• Other


Selection criteria (essential): 

• Based in Western Australia.
• A business operating in WA.
• Business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees).
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, 
exploring R&D opportunities for their business and 
have an idea to work on throughout the course. 
• Currently working in the Agrifood sector 
(or have identified a new opportunity relevant 
to Agrifood). 


Other considerations: 

• Any other information provided to support 
your application. 
• Have a clear need to develop your skills in R&D. 


Commitment and course outline 

Preparing for the program (~2 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials 
and questionnaires. 

Week 1 (Official start date, 4 April) 
Workshop (4.5 hours) 

Guest speakers from CSIRO, sector experts and SMEs 
who will provide tips and information on topics such 
as trends and opportunities, innovation experience 
and funding. You will also meet your fellow participants 
and mentor. 

Weeks 2–10 
Self-paced innovation program (2–3 hours per week) 

Participants explore opportunities to grow their 
business through innovation and research. 

Fortnightly virtual webinars for participant networking 
and guest speakers. 

A final questionnaire is required at completion. 

Program participants will also be invited to an 
in‑person networking event at the conclusion of 
this course.

“[Innovate to Grow] really made research accessible. 
Before the program, I thought, there was no way that 
a tiny company like mine could work with CSIRO or a 
university. Now it has been demystified!”.

– Amanda Falconer, Founder of Bestie Kitchen

CSIRO awards places to businesses based on the 
strength of the application, and a clear interest and 
capacity to pursue R&D. We also include participants 
from a variety of industry sub‑sectors and regions.

CSIRO Innovate to Grow is delivered using Practera’s online 
ed-tech platform and facilitation services.

Innovate to Grow: Agrifood WA is supported 
by the Department of Primary Industries 
and Regional Development.

For further information 

Michelle Armistead 

Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator 

michelle.armistead@csiro.au 

csiro.au/innovatetogrow